Sport

Cowling Harlequins' cup dream shattered as Hoyle score hat-trick

Cowling Harlequins were excited about the possibility of reaching their first cup final, but it was snuffed out.

Not only were Siddal A a division higher – Division Six against Division Seven – but they included former Keighley Cougar Simeon Hoyle, who dropped down from their National Conference League side, while Quins also felt that some decisions from the Halifax referee went against them.

With visitors Siddal arriving late, the match started 40 minutes late which disrupted Cowling’s pre-match prep-aration.

Siddal started fast, as the hosts knew they would, and with the visitors full of former professionals, Cowling realised they had to throw everything at the Halifax team to get anywhere.

Great defence from Simon Bur-goyne saved a number of tries, while Quins’ man of the match Ben Pickles ran hard all game.

However, Siddal were not to be denied, Hoyle grabbing a hat-trick of tries, but Darren Greenwood’s men never gave up.

They were rewarded when Ross Pearson powered to the line, Brannan Lawn adding the conversion.